VirtualBuddy

VirtualBuddy runs macOS 12 and later on Apple Silicon, letting developers test applications across multiple macOS releases, including beta versions. It provides a built‑in wizard that can download and install official restore images from Apple’s servers, accept custom IPSW URLs, or use locally saved IPSW files. The tool also supports booting ARM‑based Linux distributions such as Ubuntu, from local ISO files or URLs.

The application offers typical virtualization conveniences: networking, file sharing, clipboard synchronization, and configurable virtual hardware. Users can mount a shared folder via macOS file‑sharing settings and access it inside the guest with a simple mount command. APFS cloning enables rapid duplication of virtual machines with minimal additional storage, facilitating safe experimentation and easy rollback.

VirtualBuddy is distributed as free, open‑source software for Apple Silicon Macs running macOS 13 or newer. It includes a companion VirtualBuddyGuest app that automates clipboard sharing and shared‑folder mounting, and it supports saving and restoring VM state and booting into recovery mode for tasks such as disabling SIP.